Forest Fires in Europe: What You Need to Know for Your Trip 🌲🔥
Summer is vacation time. But the current wildfires in Europe are causing concern for many travelers. Many are wondering: Can I even go on my trip? And when will my Travel insurance cover me if my vacation destination is affected by a wildfire?
Images of burning forests and smoke-filled beaches are causing concern among many vacationers. But not every situation automatically qualifies as an insurance claim. Here’s what you need to know about when your Travel insurance will cover you.
- ✅ Insurance cover in case of evacuation: If your vacation destination is officially evacuated or directly affected by a wildfire.
- 📍 Specific risk required: There must be a verifiable risk at your booked travel destination.
- ❌ No coverage based on precaution: Fear of wildfires or fires in the surrounding area alone does not constitute an insured event.
- ✈️ Tour operator first: The airline, hotel, or tour operator is responsible first.
- 📞 Emergency assistance: You can reach the TAS Operations Center 24/7 at +41 58 827 59 95.
Current Information for Travelers from Switzerland ✈️
The situation can change from day to day. Therefore, check the current situation at your vacation destination before you leave and follow the instructions from local authorities.
What does simpego travel insurance cover in the event of wildfires? 🛡️
Forest fires can be considered natural disasters. If there is a specific and verifiable risk at your booked vacation destination, you may be entitled to Insurance cover under the General terms and conditions.
These include, for example:
- Your vacation destination is being evacuated by the authorities
- Your hotel is located in the official evacuation zone
- Your destination is directly affected by the wildfire
When is Insurance cover not provided? ❌
Not every forest fire automatically qualifies as an insured event.
For example, coverage does not apply if:
- you don’t want to travel because of concern or uncertainty
- the wildfire is far away from your vacation spot
- your hotel is not affected
- There are no regulatory restrictions in place
Smoke alone or media reports of fires in the same vacation region are generally not sufficient.
Important to Know
Travel insurance provides supplemental coverage 🔄
simpego’s travel insurance provides supplementary coverage.
This means:
If your flight is canceled or your hotel closes, the airline, tour operator, or hotel is initially responsible.
Only if no benefits are paid or if the benefits are not paid in full will simpego review the Insurance cover in accordance with the T&Cs.
For a claim to be valid, there must be a specific risk. This risk must be verifiable at the vacation destination you booked.
What should you do if your vacation destination is affected?
Is your vacation destination directly affected, or has an evacuation been ordered?
In that case, we recommend the following procedure:
- Contact the provider: Notify your tour operator or airline.
They are primarily responsible. - Call the TAS Operations Center: Contact our partner TAS at +41 58 827 59 95. Discuss the next steps with them.
- File a claim: A binding assessment of your case will not be made until an official claim has been filed.
Each claim is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances and the applicable insurance terms and conditions.
A binding commitment to provide benefits can only be made after reviewing the specific case.
FAQs About the Current Situation ❓
Can I cancel my trip for free because I'm afraid of wildfires?
No.
Merely worrying about wildfires or smoke-filled beaches does not constitute a covered event. A specific threat at your vacation destination or an official evacuation is required.
My vacation destination was evacuated. Am I covered?
First, contact your tour operator or your lodging provider. They must offer you alternatives or refunds.
Then call the TAS Operations Center at +41 58 827 59 95 to coordinate the next steps.
My flight was canceled. Who is responsible?
In this case, the airline or your tour operator is primarily responsible.
They must rebook you or refund your money.
The wildfire is 50 kilometers away from my hotel. Can I cancel for free?
No.
As long as there is no specific danger directly at your vacation destination or the authorities are not evacuating the area, this is not considered an insured event.
Events that occur at a distance are not covered.
How can I find out if my cancellation fees will be covered?
A binding and final review of your case is only possible after you have submitted an official claim.
Contact the TAS Operations Center in advance at +41 58 827 59 95 to discuss your situation directly.
Travel Well-Prepared
The situation during natural disasters can change rapidly. Therefore, check regularly for updates on the current situation at your vacation destination and follow the recommendations of local authorities and the FDFA.